Senator KEMP (Assistant Treasurer) (4:31 PM) —I do not know whether you were listening to me. You suggest that this does not have anything to help individuals in a country town, when I have indicated to you the massive tax cuts that have been proposed by this government, when I have indicated to you the very substantial cuts in diesel excise and the impact that will have on transport costs and when I indicate to you the very important family package, which will also be of great assistance. If you look at that tax package carefully, you will see that this is a very good tax package for rural and regional Australia. Senator Cook, as the shadow minister for trade who occasionally ventures forth into that area, would know, and I am sure he would be the first to endorse what I am saying.

Senator Robert Ray —We know how much you were consulted on the tax package, Rod. You weren't consulted at all.

Senator KEMP —Here we are. The gentleman who was responsible for the Collins class submarines. You are making as much noise as one of those submarines, Senator Ray. Six years as minister for defence. I think you will find that this is a very benign package for regional and rural Australia.